Okotoks council planning to cap population

P> If you've ever dreamed of escaping city life and venturing out to Okotoks the time to buy real estate is quickly approaching.

The town is planning to be the first town or city in North America to cap its population.

"There isn't another community that has said they would cap their population, but we've put the wheels in motion and we're going to make it happen," says town manager Will Pearce.

The town has plans to annex one last parcel of land. After that Pearce says the growth of the small town just south of Calgary will come to a halt. The plan is to allow the town to grow to about 30,000 people.

Darcy McIntosh, a 30-year-old resident, says he just moved to Okotoks and commutes back into the city to work.

He says he's glad planners are trying to keep that small town feeling. "The growth of Calgary was too much. We just wanted to get to a small town atmosphere."

But John Tulick, a real estate agent and former town councillor doesn't think the cap is fair.

"Somebody let me into the town, so what right do I have to say: 'Sorry you're number 30,000. You're not allowed in.'"

Despite some criticism Pearce says people in Okotoks support the idea and the town is continuing with its plan.